A firm selling scooter fashions and accessories online is launching its first shop in a former nightclub.

Scoots Suits And Boots has been trading online for more than four years selling clothing and footwear that scooterists could not easily find on the high street. It was launched by husband-and-wife team Mick and Jo Harwood, who wanted to appeal to scooter fans and those interested in the mod scene.

“I knew that their was a gap in the market as I was involved in the scooter scene,” said Mick.

“The online business did well but many of our customers wanted to see, feel and try on our clothing, so we decided to add a physical presence to our existing business.

“We feel that this is a good time to do it as their is a resurgence of interest in the mod scene, as demonstrated by the media interest in the lifestyles of Sir Bradley Wiggins, Martin Freeman and Miles Kane.

“We also know that many of the styles that we stock appeal to a young market, while retaining the timeless classic looks favoured by men of all ages.”

Mick decided to launch his shop at Waterloo Mill, in Oldham, which operates across two buildings.

Scoots Suits And Boots is based at the The Oddfellows Hall, which was once The Thing (aka The Funhouse) nightclub and was the centre of the Oldham mod scene in the 1960s.

Mick said: “One of the barriers to us opening shop was being tied into a long term lease and the finance needed to do a shop fit. The answer to our dilemma came along when I spotted a story about Waterloo Mill.

“The owners were giving local businesses the opportunity to trade from a already fitted out retail environment – on a short term lease.”

During a visit to the mill, Mick found out about its history and that it was once a popular nightclub in the sixties.

He said: “When my research revealed that it was centre of the Oldham mod scene, that sealed the deal for me, it seemed that fate had dealt its hand.

“Further investigations revealed that prior to The Thing opening in 1964 it had been a roller-skating venue dating back to the late 1950s, and that after The Thing closed it became the Caribbean Club. Hardly a day goes past without a customer remarking about the happy memories that they have of the place.

“Since moving in, ex-Oldhamers from as far as York and Edinburgh have contacted me with memories of having parked their scooters in the yard opposite, and of the excitement of climbing the stairs to the club as they heard the latest Motown or Blubeat imports being played.”